No Aso Rock Kitchen Staff Attempted to Poison President Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
The Presidency has dismissed rumours circulating on social media alleging that members of the Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement aimed at clearing the air, the President’s media aide, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, debunked the claims, describing them as false and malicious. Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, urged the public to disregard the report, labelling it as fake news.
“I was arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. I am asking the UN and, of course, the global community to ignore the fake news being disseminated by that video,” he said.
He noted that the rumour had generated widespread concern, with many Nigerians seeking clarification. According to him, the reaction reflects the level of public interest and concern regarding the President’s well-being.
Onanuga described the allegation as propaganda, stating that misinformation is often part of political discourse. The stressed that if anyone seeks political change, the appropriate and responsible channel is through the ballot box.
“If you want to change a government, there is only one responsible way to do that — go through the ballot,” they said, adding that Nigerians are mature enough to reject baseless and inflammatory stories.
They further stated that while the Presidency understands public concern, there is no truth to the poisoning claim. They emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adequate protection for the President, both domestically and during international engagements.
Onanuga also referenced past incidents of misinformation, noting that similar distractions had surfaced in previous administrations.
He concluded by reiterating that if Nigerians desire change, the 2027 general elections provide the legitimate opportunity to do so.
In a post on his X account, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga wrote:
“Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated.”
The Presidency maintains that the allegation is entirely false and should be disregarded by the public.
